Anchors and anchoring

Hi Simon,Wow! Very nice survey structure. I would, however, like to add a few anchors to the list and also include a category for Other. Is it possible to have people actually type in what the "other" would be? The full list could be just for the primary bower category.

In 2007 we upgraded from an undersized Delta to an oversized Manson Supreme and we have certainly noticed the difference. It 's a lot less fiddly to set and only once has it dragged. We have had a few problems but overall we are pleased with the investment. The problems we have had are as follows:

1. The time it dragged we were anchored on a kelp strewn sea bed with too short a scope but when it dragged the roll bar must have temporarily snagged a rock on the bottom as the weld connecting the roll bar to the fluke of the anchor failed. Obviously this didn 't impact on the structural part of the anchor but it did mean that we had to get it welded up. We corresponded with Manson in New Zealand who were very helpful though of course we got it welded locally.

2. We never changed the stem fitting when we upgraded. One of the attractions of the Manson is the slotted shaft which works a bit like a tripping line if the anchor gets stuck. We used this slot during the first season but found that the anchor was very unstable as it came over the roller during lifting. On many occasions the anchor fell off during lifting and damaged the top sides. Since then we have not used the slot but have used the the fixed connection to the shnk and we have no recurrence of the problem. I guess the message is that if you want to use the slotted shaft you may well need to modify your stem fitting to make it deep enough to accommodate the relatively broad shank.

Daria,I have re-posted this in equipment as requested but will create a new topics on anchoring when I have more reliable Internet access. That might be in about 10 days time when we are back from the Alps. Simon

We are pleased to offer OCC forum visitors a 10% discount on our book, "Happy Hooking - The Art of Anchoring." Although many members will be well acquainted with the topics Happy Hooking covers, we have been told often that it makes a great gift for those newer to cruising and anyone wishing to upgrade their ground tackle.

As keeping your boat securely connected to the bottom is really important for the safety and well being of all distance cruisers, an ongoing discussion of issues about gear and technique can be very helpful. Ground tackle has been dramatically improving over the past few years, and as a result techniques for deploying that tackle have been modified.

This is a great place for members to share their experience with newer anchors and related gear, tricky anchorages, and tips for effective technique.

And if you have a great story to tell, please share it. We all know that anchoring is a spectator sport, and we all love a good story.